In Sprague Dawley rats, six days after subtotal nephrectomy, serum 1,25(OH)2D3 concentration was diminished (59.8 +/- 17.5 pg/ml vs. 121 +/- 48; P less than 0.01). Despite low circulating 1,25(OH)2D3 levels, maximal specific binding capacity for 1,25(OH)2D3 in parathyroid glands was diminished (Nmax 87.5 fmol/mg protein and 3.52 fmol/mg DNA vs. 143 fmol/mg protein and 4.75 fmol/mg DNA, respectively). There was no change of KD, apparent molecular size (sucrose density gradient) and DNA binding affinity (DNA cellulose chromatography) pointing to intactness of the receptor. Since 1,25(OH)2D3 is a potent negative feedback signal for parathyroids, the data are potentially relevant for the genesis of secondary renal hyperparathyroidism.